Latex Allergy

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system tries to ward off a foreign substance that it detects to be harmful. Unfortunately for those of us who suffer from allergies, these ‘foreign substances’ are usually actually harmless, and really do not warrant an over-reaction from the immune system. The symptoms of allergies are usually mild in most cases, and do not inhibit day to day life. Lesser symptoms may be nasal congestion, rash, or heightened mucus production. However, there are those cases in which the symptoms can be quite debilitating, and even life threatening.
Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins that are normally found in natural rubber latex. Latex is manufactured from a milky fluid, derived from the rubber tree. The rubber tree is most commonly found in parts of Africa and Southern Asia. This can be quite annoying for individuals who experience latex allergy, because we encounter latex more often than one may think. The most common use for latex is contraceptives and birth control, such as condoms. However, traces of latex can also be found in many items that are made of rubber, and an individual who suffers from latex allergy should be very careful when handling rubber objects, when they do not know what is contained within them. Latex is also found in many protective gloves.


Symptoms of Latex Allergy
• Dermatitis – Handling latex may cause an individual suffering from latex allergy to break out in a rash, or find that the allergens have irritated the skin.
• Nasal Congestion Or Runny Nose
• Cough
• Itchy, irritated, watery eyes
• Breathing complications
• Hives or Rash
Individuals who are particularly sensitive to latex may also enter anaphylactic shock. This is a very serious condition and presents itself in the form of wheezing, confusion, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea and in the most serious cases has led to death. If someone you know may be experiencing anaphylactic shock, it is important that you rush them to a doctor or hospital immediately. This condition is life threatening, and requires immediate medical attention from a trained professional.

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